The 9th edition of the Colombo Comedy Show was held on the 26th of November 2024 at the Monarch Imperial. The show was a resounding success, drawing a full house of 600+ eager spectators, reflecting the Colombo Comedy Show’s growing popularity. Organised by Colombo Taprobane Round Table 03 (CTRT 3) to support the Kids Off Street (KOS) Charity Project, the show once again delivered an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment, living up to its reputation as Colombo’s most eagerly awaited comedy event. With five international award-winning comedians taking the stage, each brought a distinctive flavour of comedy that had the crowd in stitches.
This year’s outstanding lineup featured four world-class comedians, each with their own unique style. Singapore’s Qamarul Haziq opened the evening, delighting the crowd with his sharp humour about life in Singapore and the quirks of living with Malay parents. Canada’s Brian Aylward followed with witty takes on Canadian stereotypes and amusing stories from his time in Asia, especially Korea and Thailand.
Next up was Elena Gabrielle, whose hilarious reflections on her experiences in India and Germany, cross-cultural dating mishaps, and modern relationships struck a chord with the audience. The night ended on a high note with India’s Papa CJ, who entertained with his insightful commentary on Indian culture, life in the UK, and the evolving nature of romance. Holding it all together was Umar Rana from Pakistan, who kept the energy high with his charismatic and witty interludes as the emcee.
CTRT 3 wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the enthusiastic audience, whose support was instrumental in making the event a success, and to its generous sponsors for making the event possible. The funds raised will go towards the KOS Charity Project, continuing the impactful work that CTRT 3 has undertaken. Last year’s proceeds helped finance several key initiatives, including setting up a library at Aathavan Vidyalaya in Loolkandura. This project provided a variety of books and also essential items such as shelves, tables, chairs, carpets, and lighting, creating a fully functional learning space for students.
Additionally, donations to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka funded essential green screens for the dignified handling of deceased patients, brown screens for patient privacy, and a new reception desk, significantly enhancing patient care. In total, these initiatives amounted to nearly 1 million rupees, showcasing CTRT 3’s dedication to meaningful, socially impactful work.
Reflecting on this year’s success, and the success of the show in previous years, including in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, CTRT 3 has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Colombo Comedy Show tradition alive. Eying the next edition of the Colombo Comedy Show, CTRT 3 is working to bring more top-tier international comedians to Sri Lanka while also creating opportunities for local talent to shine. With laughter serving to both relax and provoke the thoughts of audiences, the Colombo Comedy Show continues to demonstrate how community, entertainment, and charitable giving can come together to make a meaningful impact.